Rear Knuckle Alignment Link: Service and Repair

TOE CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

CAUTION: *:Indicates parts which should be temporarily tightened, and then fully tightened with the vehicle on the ground in an unladen condition.

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS
[[A]] TOE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY AND KNUCKLE DISCONNECTION

CAUTION:
^ Do not remove the nut from ball joint. Loosen it and use special tool MB991897 to avoid possible damage to ball joint threads.
^ Hang special tool MB991897 with a cord to prevent it from failing.





1. Install special tool MB991897 as shown in the figure.





2. Turn the bolt and knob as necessary to make the jaws of the special tool MB991897 parallel, tighten the bolt by hand and confirm that the jaws are still parallel.

NOTE: When adjusting the jaws in parallel, make sure the knob is in the position shown in the figure.

3. Tighten the bolt with a wrench to disconnect the toe control arm assembly and the knuckle.

[[B]] ASSIST LINK BOLT REMOVAL





Place mating marks on the crossmember and the plate before removing the assist link bolt.

INSPECTION
^ Check the bushings for wear and deterioration.
^ Check the toe control arm for bending or breakage.
^ Check all bolts for condition and straightness.

TOE CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT TURNING TORQUE CHECK

Required Special Tool:
^ MB990326: Preload Socket





1. After shaking the ball joint stud several times, in order to make the ball joint turn smoothly, install the nut to the stud and use special tool MB990326 to measure the turning torque of the ball joint.
Standard value: 1.0 - 2.6 Nm (8.9 - 23 inch lbs.)
2. If the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace the toe control arm assembly.
3. If the measured value is lower than the standard value, check that the ball joint turns smoothly without excessive play. If so, it is possible to re-use that ball joint.

TOE CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK





1. Check the toe control arm ball joint dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing it with your finger.
2. If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the toe control arm assembly.

NOTE: Cracks or damage of the dust cover may cause damage to the ball joint. When it is damaged during service work, replace the dust cover.